Rajkot: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani today launched the works for SAUNI project’s link-3 which will provide Narmada water to Rajkot city. Rupani said the scarcity of water in Rajkot will become past. He said the government will issue tenders of Rs 6300 crore works in upcoming days to end the problem of water in Saurashtra region.

He said water of Narmada will be lifted to 76 meter height to make it possible to supply it to 15 lakh population of Rajkot under SAUNI project which involves 4,000 villages and 157 urban cities/towns.

The Chief Minister in his speech gave background of approval to Rs 385 crore works in just 90-day period to fill Aaji-1 dam with Narmada water, the task which will be completed according to him in less than a month.

Rupani said government was ready to offer 2800 acre land to set up a new international airport in Rajkot and provide international connectivity to this city.

Rupani unveiled plaque for laying of pipeline between Machhu-1 and Aaji-1.

Background

The city of Rajkot for its drinking water needs relies on Narmada network and Aaji dam for drinking water supply. While Narmada water supply is regular but not sufficient, Aaji dam doesn’t achieve satisfactory water level when monsoon is poor.

Rupani who is elected to Gujarat assembly from Rajkot city had announced that Machhu-1 and Aaji dam wiwll be interconnected through 31 km pipeline. After tender process, Rs 431 crore project has been assigned to a private company. The works are launched today The task will take one and half year to complete. On completion of this project, Aaji dam will be filled with Narmada water. It is believed that Machhu – Kuavadava – Tramba – Aaji – 2 pipeline will supply water to villages en-route and Demi-1, Lalpari dams. As per an estimate 7633 hectare land will be benefited.

In another development Machhu – 1 dam is now receiving Narmada water supply in huge quantity. This will resolve the problem of water supply in Wankaner taluka that has over 100 villages. Machhu – 1 was empty due to poor rains in catchment areas. With two lines under SAUNI project already activated, the dam is now receiving 1,22,000 cubic meter water per hour. Narmada water is being brought from Dholidhaja dam of Surendranagar district through 66.3 km underground twin line that has been laid at a cost of Rs 1800 crore. In first phase, the dam will be filled to 36% of total capacity. The next will be Machhu-1-Rajkot Aaji dam pipeline in length of 31 km, works for which are launched by the Chief Minister today.

DeshGujarat